This is the heartwarming moment local children greeted a tourist with a respectful forehead blessing in the Philippines.

Norwegian holidaymaker Kenneth Sunde was strolling through the streets with a friend when a group of children playing in the neighbourhood approached them to give their respects in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte.

Footage shows two youngsters walking up to the pair and reaching for Kenneth's hand on October 13.

The boy then placed the back of Kenneth's hand on his forehead, followed by his playmate, who did the same before repeating the gesture to the tourist's companion.

In another clip, fishermen on a boat can be seen waving cheerfully at the visitors.

Kenneth said: ‘I was confused at first by what they were doing, but when I learned the reason, it was truly touching. Filipino kids are the sweetest.'

The greeting, known as 'Mano po,' is a traditional Filipino gesture of respect towards elders. A younger person takes the elder's hand and gently places it on their forehead. This is a custom often performed when meeting an elder or entering their home for the first time that day.